Petkovic Primed For 50th Cap

Saturday’s clash against Adelaide United already carries inherent importance in the title race, but for Nikola Petkovic it will be a milestone day as well, as he makes his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance for the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium.

Petkovic, who joined Sydney FC prior to the start of the 2013/14 season, said he was very proud to have made so many appearances in a short amount of time having played every minute of every A-League match for the Sky Blues since signing.

“It’s fantastic to be making my 50th appearance in only my second season for Sydney FC,” Petkovic said.

“It’s gone quick, I’m excited to make my 50th appearance this week and I’m proud to play for this club.

“I had a plan to play every game and every minute and to make it in only my second year it’s brilliant and it’s something special that I’m very happy about.

“I didn’t think about making it this far when I first joined,” he continued.

“I don’t think about how many games I will play. For me every game is important, I don’t think about numbers but it’s good news to make it this far.”

Petkovic looks back fondly on his time spent with the Sky Blues so far as he listed a host of memories, however for the Serbian stalwart winning the 2013/14 Player of the Year award is an accolade that stands out more than others.

“I’ve got many good memories from my 50 games,” he said.

“Wins against the Wanderers at home this season and last season were very good games, the Australia Day win against Melbourne Victory in their stadium was really good,

“Playing with Alessandro Del Piero was something very special. To learn every day from him at the club was something I will never forget in my life.

“For me though, the most important was winning Player of the Year. It was something really special and something I will never forget.”

While he’s never scored for the Sky Blues Petkovic has set up numerous goals, as the Vice Captain suggested he’d net his first against Adelaide United on Saturday in what he expects to be a tough encounter.

“This weekend [I will score],” he joked.

“I have many assists though, 10 or 12, and for a defender to get 10 or 12 assists in 50 games is very good.

“Saturday will be a tough game. They’re a very good team that play good attacking football but we also have enough quality and If we play like we did on Sunday we should be fine.”

Sydney FC’s next home game is against Adelaide United on Saturday 4th April at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.30pm). Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of Hyundai A-League action by heading to www.ticketek.com.au/sydneyfc